Following the 2020/21 season of the Women’s Super League, it is evident there are many rising stars within the game. Here is my lowdown of some of the top up and coming talent, the "ones to watch".
1. Jill Roord (Arsenal)
In addition to her fast pace and accurate shooting finesse, Roord has won multiple awards throughout her career. These include a Runners up medal at the 2019 World Cup, as well as being named Player of the Month for September. As the first ever Women’s footballer to be named in the DAZN and recently scoring back-to-back hattricks against Reading and Westham, Roord is a force to be reckoned with. Having joined Arsenal in 2019, rumours report her possible movement to the Bundesliga Frauen side Wolfsburg at the end of the 2022 season.
"Jill Roord" by El Loko Foto is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
2. Lauren James (Man Utd)
Having played a large role in Man Utd’s promotion to the WSL in 2019, James finished as United’s top scorer at the end of the 2019/20 season. Not only is she one of the highest paid players in the WSL, but also has been nominated within the four-player shortlist for PFA women’s young player of the year. With her good ball control and focus, it is of little doubt that she has a promising future ahead of her.
Lauren James, Manchester United FC
3. Lauren Hemp (Man City)
In 2018, at the early age of twenty, Hemp signed for Man City and has already achieved six England caps. In addition, Hemp is the current holder of the PFA Women’s young player of the year, having previously won in 2018. Among an array of other awards such as England’s Young player of the Year in September 2017, Hemp has been named as Sports Aid’s “one to watch”.
Lauren Hemp, Manchester City FC
4. Maya Le Tissier (Brighton and Hove Albion)
At only nineteen, she is the first female to play with Guernsey’s under-16 men’s team, as well as already being recognised as one of the World’s top young female footballers. Recently having been awarded the Her Football Hub’s Rising Star Award for 2020, she is the only UK player included in the top ten of Goal’s prestigious 2021 NGXN awards. It is clear this is only the beginning of a successful career.
Maya Le Tissier, Brighton and Hove Albion FC
5. Chloe Kelly (Man City)
Scoring nine times in twelve appearances, Kelly is the clubs highest goal scorer of 2019/20. She credits her rapid speed and precise striking to playing cage football with her five older brothers. Having signed a two-year contract with Man City in July, in September 2020 she was awarded PFA WSL Team of the Year. Additionally, Kelly has represented England U17, U19 and U20s national team on multiple occasions. She had demonstrated experience beyond her years.
Chloe Kelly, Manchester City FC
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